Welcome to the Ultimate guide of Google Slide Presentation from GraphyPix LLC. In GraphyPix, we provide thousands of pre-built and customised presentations, print-templates and mockups. As a student, professional, or presentation enthusiast, you’re likely familiar with Google Slides, the innovative browser-based presentation tool offered by Google Workspace. In recent years, Google Slides has become very popular. More users want to use its easy interface and collaborative features.
At GraphyPix LLC, we are passionate about Google slide presentations—some might even call us aficionados. Our expertise in Google Slides is unparalleled. This guide will give you all the key knowledge about Google Slides. It covers basics to advanced features. It will help you improve your presentations.
Utilizing this guide effectively
No matter your level of expertise in creating presentations, this guide is designed for you! For those just starting with Slides, you can navigate through the sections sequentially from beginning to end. If you need help with something specific, click a topic link below. It will take you to the most relevant section. This comprehensive guide deserves a spot in your bookmarks—save the link and add it to your favorites for easy access later. We offer premium Google Slides training for those seeking help. An expert trainer will lead the sessions.
TEMPLATES
An overview of the functionality of Google Slide Presentation
This guide covers the basics of Google Slides. It will help you make a new presentation and choose a slide theme.
Is Google Slides available at no cost?
Access Google Slide Presentation for free on web, mobile, and desktop apps with your Google account. Businesses have the option to enhance their experience by upgrading to a paid version of Google Workspace. However, Google Slides is the same in both tiers. It has all the essential tools that individual users typically need. Currently, there are absolutely no distinctions between the paid version and the free version! To know more about tabs and features in templates, visit this article.
Kickoff
Crafting a fresh Google Slide presentation
To get started with Google Slides, simply create a free Google account. Create one right here.
To get started, head over to Google Drive and click on New at the top of the left-hand dashboard. Next, select Google Slides and choose Blank presentation. You can also create your Slides deck using a template – more on that coming up later.
- First, go to the Slides homepage. Click the blank template with a plus sign under “Start a new presentation” in the top left corner.
- To rename your new Slides deck, simply click on the Untitled Presentation box located in the top left corner at any time after opening it. Your collaborators can certainly join in – we’ll give them a proper introduction later.
- Your changes are automatically saved while you work online. Here’s the reason you won’t find a Save button in Google Slides. We’ll discuss how to save your work in more detail later.
Incorporating, eliminating, and concealing Google Slide Presentation
To create a new blank science template google slides, simply right-click on one of the slide thumbnails in the left-hand panel and choose New slide from the options. This new slide will adopt the same layout as the one you right-clicked on (more details on layouts to come). To replicate a slide exactly as it is, simply right-click on the thumbnail and choose the option to Duplicate slide. To delete a slide, click its thumbnail and press Delete. You can also right-click and choose Delete from the menu.
If there’s a slide you’d like to retain in your deck but prefer not to display during your presentation, you have the option to hide it. Simply right-click on the slide thumbnail and choose the option to skip the slide. The slide thumbnail will gradually fade away. This slide will not be displayed when you enter slideshow mode. To restore a slide, simply right-click the thumbnail and select Unskip slide.
Grasping the menu bar
The menu bar encompasses all the essential features you require to kick off your presentation creation journey. You’ve probably seen some of these options in other software. So, let’s explore some unique features of Google Slide Presentation. To learn more about theme customization, please check out our article.
Document
The File tab encompasses everything you need for sharing, editing, and adjusting settings with ease. Formats are available for both web and mobile applications. Here’s a list outlining the various formats.
File formats and limitations supported
| .GSLIDES | Google Slides Shortcut |
| .JPG | JPEG Image |
| .ODP | OpenDocument Presentation |
| Portable Document Format File | |
| .PNG | Portable Network Graphic |
| .POT | Microsoft PowerPoint Template (Legacy) |
| .POTM | Microsoft PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Presentation Template |
| .POTX | Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation Template |
| .PPS | Microsoft PowerPoint Slide Show (Legacy) |
| .PPSM | Microsoft PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Show |
| .PPSX | Microsoft PowerPoint Slide Show |
| .PPT | Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation (Legacy) |
| .PPTX | Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation |
| .PPTM | Microsoft PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Presentation |
| .SVG | Scalable Vector Graphics File |
| .TXT | Plain Text File |
Files for Google Slide presentations converted to the .gslides format must not exceed 100 MB in size. Images uploaded should not exceed 50 MB in size and must be in .jpg, .png, or .gif formats. With the Share button, you can effortlessly distribute your presentation to others. For additional insights on sharing and privacy settings, please refer to the Cloud section below.
Create a copy that allows you to duplicate either your complete presentation or just a single slide. This is perfect for experimenting with edits on a deck or slide while keeping the original document intact. Version history shows earlier versions of a document. It offers invaluable insights. Discover more about Version history in the Viewing and saving your work section below.
COLLABORATION IN GOOGLE SLIDE PRESENTATION
Maximizing the benefits of cloud and collaboration tools
Google Slide Presentation is your go-to for seamless collaboration. It lets teams edit presentations together in real time. Presentations allow for seamless sharing, opening, and editing by multiple users at the same time. Collaborators can witness real-time changes, viewing edits slide-by-slide and character-by-character as they happen. Your changes are saved to Google’s servers. A revision history is kept. Anytime you need to, you can go back to previous versions.
An editor’s current position is marked with a unique color and cursor. This lets others viewing the same slide see edits in real-time. A sidebar chat feature empowers collaborators to engage in discussions about edits. Users can easily track changes to a document through the revision history. Each contributor is highlighted in a unique color. Users can only compare adjacent revisions, and they have no control over the frequency of revision saves. Users can effortlessly export files to their local computers in multiple formats, such as HTML, .jpg, and PDF. To learn more about accessibility features, check out this article.
Remote collaboration
Google Slide Presentation offers an extensive array of collaboration features. It is designed for seamless real-time collaboration. It has many options for engaging with colleagues or friends. Say goodbye to version control headaches, endless email exchanges, and the hassle of downloading files. Discover how to maximize the benefits of these features:
Sharing a presentation involves giving someone the ability to view, edit, or comment on your work. This is perfect for collaborating on projects, or getting a second opinion. It also enables multiple team members to edit the same document at once. Google’s sharing settings let you impose restrictions. You can fully control the documents you share.
Just click the blue Share icon in the upper right corner of your screen to share your Google Slide Presentation. Another option is to navigate to the File tab and click on the Share button. A new window will open, enabling you to input the email addresses of individuals you wish to share with. To the right of the email addresses is a dropdown menu. It lets you choose if recipients can edit, comment, or just view your presentation. To modify someone’s access later, simply go to the share window and click the dropdown next to their email address. One standout feature is the Notify checkbox, allowing you to share a presentation discreetly. This is perfect for when you want a clutter-free inbox. It’s also great for sharing content without drawing attention to it. It’s ideal for when you’re still fine-tuning your work! To learn more about collaboration and revision history, click this article.
PRESENTER TOOLS
Showcasing and producing in Google Slide Presentation
When you share your agenda template google slides, consider your audience’s accessibility needs. Explore a variety of tools crafted to improve the accessibility of your deck. Dive into this blog post for all the essential details.
Showcasing your project in Google Slide Presentation
Using Slideshow mode: At some stage, you’ll want to rehearse your presentation. You may want to see how it looks to the audience. At GraphyPix LLC, we suggest that you always review your deck in Slideshow mode at least once prior to your presentation! To explore Slideshow mode in detail, go through the topics below.
To view your presentation in Slideshow mode, click on Slideshow in the top right. You’ll be taken to standard view, whether online or offline. Alternatively, click the dropdown next to the Slideshow button to explore various options.
Presenter view: This feature opens a window for your Google slide presentation. You can time it, view thumbnails of the previous and next slides, start Audience Q&A, and read your speaker notes. Explore further by reviewing our detailed guide on Presenter view in Google Slides. For additional insights on audience Q&A and speaker notes, please refer to the information below.
Begin at the start. This activates the standard presenting view, the same as clicking on Slideshow. Your audience will experience this perspective during your presentation. So, it is a great tool for practice.
Display on a different screen: This choice is available solely for individuals with Chromecast access. To cast your presentation to a TV screen with a connected Chromecast device, simply click this button. If you want to display your presentation on a big screen but lack Chromecast, you can use a classic method: connect an HDMI cable from your laptop to the TV. Then, use the standard Presenter view.
Deliver your presentation seamlessly
You can present a Google Slide presentation in Google Meet, without ever leaving Google Slides. Head over to the top right corner of your screen and select the video camera icon located next to the Slideshow button. Join an existing meeting or kick off your own effortlessly by selecting from the options in the drop-down menu. During the meeting, simply click on the video camera icon once more and select Present this tab to share your screen. It’s important to highlight that sharing your screen directly from your preferred video calling software tends to be the simpler option. If you mainly use Google Workspace and Google Meet, check this feature. It could help.
To access your speaker notes, simply drag up from the bottom of your Slides window. Position your cursor over the horizontal line located at the bottom of your window, and watch as it transforms into a hand icon. Click down and drag up to uncover the Speaker notes bar. In this space, you can jot down everything from your presentation script to extra notes that enhance the content of your slides. To ensure your speaker notes are visible during your presentation, make sure to utilize Presenter view.
Slides features a convenient built-in tool for voice typing speaker notes. Open the Speaker notes bar, navigate to the Tools menu, and choose Voice type speaker notes. A new window will open to the left of your slide, featuring a microphone icon. Once you’re prepared, simply click this icon to start speaking. Your words will be displayed as text in the Speaker notes bar. After thorough testing, we’ve found it works best with a quality microphone, like those on headsets. So, please speak clearly into it.
Audience Q&A transforms a Google Slide presentation into an interactive and engaging experience for participants. Inviting users to pose their questions online can foster a sense of assurance and, when done at the right moment, allows you the opportunity to reflect on the most effective responses, rather than facing unexpected inquiries unprepared.
While in Slideshow mode, move your cursor to the bottom left of the screen to uncover the Presenter bar. To get started, click on the three dots to open a pop-up menu. Next, select More > Q&A to open a new window. By clicking ‘Start new’, you initiate the Q&A session and create a link for participants to follow in order to submit their questions. Participants can easily sign in without a Google account and have the option to check a box for anonymity if they prefer. Once a question is posed, it will be displayed in the window, awaiting your response! This approach is especially beneficial for those who prefer not to respond to questions immediately and would appreciate the chance to reflect and craft thoughtful answers, possibly during a brief intermission in a Google Slide presentation. It’s wise to review the questions prior to presenting them to your audience. Without a built-in moderation filter, participants have the freedom to ask nearly anything while staying completely anonymous.
Tip: In Slideshow mode, hover over the Presenter bar. Then, choose the option to activate the laser pointer. By clicking this button, your cursor transforms into a striking red laser pointer with a tail, allowing your audience to effortlessly identify the areas you want to emphasize.
Bringing your creations to life through print
In Slides, go to File and select Print to access the key print settings. You may need to scroll down to find it. A new window will open. It will show a print preview of your Slides, with options to customize your printout. Beside Pages, you have the option to print All pages or specify a Custom range. Adjust the Colour options, Paper size, and Image quality for your printing needs with ease.
To print your Google Slide presentation with the speaker notes, go to File and select Print preview. A new window will open. It will let you preview your slides with the updated print options. In the upper right corner of the updated toolbar, select the button labeled 1 slide without notes. Select one slide with notes from the dropdown menu instead. You’re not limited to printing just one slide; you have the flexibility to select which slides you want to print through the standard Print settings.
Upon selection, the speaker notes will be displayed in a box adjacent to each slide. Click Close preview on the far left. Then, go to the Print settings in the File tab to print your document. Alternatively, with the preview open, select the Print tab from the updated toolbar.
Print your slides seamlessly: If your Google slide presentation has skipped slides that you prefer not to include in your printout, simply toggle this option off with ease. Navigate to File and select Print preview. In the upper right corner of the updated toolbar, click the Include skipped slides button to switch it on or off. The button is completely white when toggled off. A yellow hue shows it is toggled on. Simply click on Close preview located on the far left. To learn more about marketing applications of presenter tools, checkout this article.
EDUCATIONAL USE
1. Discovering Google Slides and Its Advantages
Mastering Google Slide Presentation
Curious about Google Slides? Let’s dive into what it really is. Think of it as PowerPoint’s stylish sibling. It’s full of flair and a cool online edge. Google Slides is an online presentation tool offered by Google at no cost. It is part of G Suite. Create, edit, and collaborate on presentations effortlessly.
Benefits of Implementing Google Slides in Educational Settings
Having discussed what Google Slides is, let’s proceed to why educators should be really excited about integrating this into their teaching environment. First and foremost, it revolutionizes access and convenience. Access a Google Slide presentation with ease from any device connected to the internet. No more stress about forgetting your USB drive or carrying your laptop around.
Google Slides provides a variety of interactive and collaborative features that enhance the learning experience, making it more engaging and enjoyable. Enhance your presentations by embedding multimedia elements such as videos, images, and interactive quizzes for an engaging experience. What’s the most exciting aspect? Invite students to collaborate in real-time, enhancing teamwork and sparking creativity.
2. Dynamic Presentations: Captivating Students with Multimedia Elements
Elevate Your Presentations with Engaging Multimedia Elements
The era of dull Google Slide presentations packed with text and bullet points is behind us. Elevate your presentations with Google Slides by incorporating dynamic multimedia elements that captivate your audience. Incorporate videos to illustrate ideas, add images to stir feelings, and integrate audio to engage your students actively. Keep in mind, indulging in a cat video from time to time is perfectly fine.
Mastering the Art of Animations and Transitions
Animations and transitions are the delightful finishing touches that elevate a cupcake to a whole new level of indulgence. They bring an impressive element to your presentations, ensuring your students remain captivated. Feel free to experiment with slide transitions to craft smooth connections between your content, and utilize animations to unveil information gradually. Exercise caution to ensure your presentation doesn’t transform into a full-blown disco extravaganza.
3. Collaborative Projects: Cultivating Teamwork and Inspiring Creativity in the Classroom
Collaborating on Group Projects Using Google Slide Presentation
Recall the times when collaborative projects involved countless email exchanges and inconsistent PowerPoint presentations? Google Slides is ready to come to the rescue.
Experience effortless collaboration as you assign group projects to your students, witnessing their teamwork unfold in perfect harmony. Every student has the opportunity to add their slide or collaborate in real-time on various sections of the presentation. Collaboration simplified!
Fostering Teamwork and Open Dialogue
Google Slides empowers students to collaborate effectively while enhancing their communication skills. Students have the opportunity to comment on each other’s slides, offer feedback, and collaborate seamlessly in real-time. Imagine a virtual classroom where ideas flow freely. Everyone can learn from each other. Who would have thought that presentations could be so thrilling?
4. Engaging Quizzes and Assessments: Measuring Student Comprehension Instantly
Engaging Quizzes in Google Slide Presentation
Assessments can be engaging and rewarding experiences for both teachers and students. Google Slides allows you to harness the power of Forms to craft interactive quizzes that transform learning into an enjoyable and engaging experience. Leverage the built-in features such as multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop activities, and interactive games to evaluate your students’ comprehension. If they’re enjoying themselves, that’s just a delightful perk!
Leveraging Add-ons for Instant Feedback and Assessment
Wave farewell to the tedious task of grading endless piles of paper. Google Slides has add-ons to simplify your experience as an educator. Tools such as Flubaroo and Form Publisher offer instant feedback and can streamline the grading process through automation. Enjoy more moments of relaxation with your favorite cup of coffee, while saying goodbye to the overwhelming pile of ungraded papers. Here’s to that!
5. Virtual field trips: Expanding educational horizons beyond traditional classrooms
Creating immersive virtual tours in Google Slide Presentation
Have you ever dreamed of taking your students on a field trip they will never forget to the Great Wall of China or exploring the Amazon rainforest? Take your classroom on a world tour with Google Slides! You can create virtual tours in an interactive way. Add images, videos, and text to slides. Go on an exciting adventure with your students, exploring different places and cultures while sitting in the comfort of your classroom.
6. Digital portfolios: Showcasing student achievements and development
Create an interactive student portfolio using Google Slide Presentation
The days of bulky paper portfolios are over. Google Slides equips you with the ability to create interactive and eye-catching digital portfolios showcasing your students’ work and tracking their progress. Your students can easily collect their best creations, be it artwork or written assignments, in one place. They can also collaborate with you and their peers, receive feedback, and make changes in real time.
7. Differentiated instruction: Lessons tailored to meet the needs of each student
Differentiated Instruction Using Google Slide Presentation
Each student is different, and this is a major reason differentiated instruction in the educational setting is highly necessary. Google Slides allows you to differentiate instruction for your students with varied needs. You can attach audio recordings for auditory learners and add interactive quizzes for visual learners to make learning interesting.
8. Strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of Google Slide Presentation in educational settings
Unlock the secrets to efficiency with expert shortcuts and time-saving strategies.
Using Google Slides well can save time and improve your lessons. Discover essential keyboard shortcuts that can enhance your productivity, like using Ctrl + D to duplicate a slide or Ctrl + K to effortlessly insert a hyperlink. Discover additional time-saving strategies, such as designing templates for frequently used slides or leveraging the Explore feature to uncover pertinent images and information for your presentations.
Want to know how to make your design work better? Check out our free graphic design templates.
FAQ
1. Is it possible to access Google Slide Presentation on various devices?
Absolutely! Google Slides is a versatile cloud-based tool that you can access seamlessly on a range of devices, including computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. By connecting to the internet, you can effortlessly log into your Google account. You can access your presentations from nearly any location.
2. Is it possible to collaborate with fellow teachers or students through Google Slide Presentations?
Certainly! A notable aspect of Google Slide presentation is its focus on collaboration. Effortlessly share your presentations with fellow teachers or students, enabling them to view, edit, and collaborate on the content in real-time. This fosters effortless collaboration and promotes enthusiastic engagement.
3. Is it possible to use Google Slide Presentation without an internet connection?
Google Slides is mainly online. But, you can enable offline access using the Google Slides app. Install the app on your device to effortlessly create and improve your presentations anytime and anywhere, even without an internet connection. Any changes you make offline will sync when you reconnect to the internet.
4. What are the limitations regarding the number of slides or file size in Google Slide Presentation?
Google Slides has very generous storage capacity and allows you to add a lot of slides to one presentation. But again, it will depend on your device’s performance. Anyhow, Google Slides gives you an extremely powerful platform for making comprehensive presentations that you can create without thinking about the file size or number of slides. There you have it.
Innovative ways educators can make the most of Google Slides: Turn your presentations into engaging multimedia, enhance teamwork with collaborative projects, and turn assessments into interactive experiences—Google Slides is your trusted partner in making it all happen. Embrace the journey, noble educator, and let your imagination soar within the classroom!
Related: Animations in Educational Use.
FUTURE TRENDS IN GOOGLE SLIDE PRESENTATION
Transforming Presentations with Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
High tech products are enhanced by Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). These technologies create captivating experiences that engage the audience and enhance their comprehension of the product. Augmented reality enhances real world by superimposing digital information. Virtual reality fully immerses users in an entirely digital setting. Integrating AR and VR into presentations introduces interactive features that captivate the audience in extraordinary ways, enhancing the overall memorability and impact of the presentation. To learn the latest trends in AR and VR, read our article on AR, VR, and AI.
THIRD-PARTY INTEGRATIONS
Crafting visuals: forms and graphics
Adding and modifying shapes
To add a shape, simply click the Shape button in the toolbar or navigate to Insert > Shape in the menu bar. Choose the shape you wish to utilize, then either:
- Simply click on your slide to place a perfectly sized shape at its default dimensions.
- Click and drag your shape to adjust its size. Hold the SHIFT key to maintain proportions, if desired.
- Modifying the dimensions of slide elements: Whether an image, shape, or text box, there are simple but effective ways to change them. This will give a more personal look and feel.
Click the object to reveal the blue adjustment nodes. They let you easily change its size. Simply click and drag any of these nodes to adjust the size of your object. To resize your object while keeping its proportions intact, hold the SHIFT key as you drag the corner nodes. To rotate your shape, simply click and drag the small circular node located above the object. Press the SHIFT key to lock the rotations in 15-degree increments. To learn about third-party tools like Canva, Lucidchart, and Adobe, read this article.
When your Google Slide presentation has overlapping objects, consider grouping them. This applies to a text box over a shape or a detailed bar chart. This keeps them arranged and together when you move or resize them. Grouping is a great tool for editing multiple objects at once.
- Begin by choosing the objects you wish to group together—feel free to select as many as you desire. To group the objects, right-click on them and choose Group. Another option is to use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + ALT + G.
- When you choose one object, all other objects in the group will be selected automatically. This allows for effortless movement and editing on your slide.
- To separate your objects in Google Slide Presentation, select the group. Then, right-click and choose Ungroup. Or, use CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + G.
Important: You can only group elements that are located on the same slide together. However, you can still group shapes that extend beyond your slide template’s boundaries. To learn more about media integration, check out this article.
Please check out related articles for Google Slide Presentation from GraphyPix LLC. None of the companies in this article are affiliated with GraphyPix LLC.